Top 5 Castles around Totnes

Around Totnes, you can explore a variety of historical fortifications. These include classic Norman motte-and-bailey castles like Totnes Castle, ruined medieval strongholds such as Berry Pomeroy Castle, and fortified manor houses like Compton Castle and Formal Gardens. The area also features ancient Iron Age hillforts, sometimes repurposed with Norman structures, like Hembury Castle Hillfort, and coastal artillery forts such as Dartmouth Castle.

For panoramic views, Totnes Castle is an excellent choice. Climbing to the top of its keep rewards visitors with expansive views over the town of Totnes, the River Dart, and even Dartmoor in the distance. Dartmouth Castle also provides incredible vistas across the Dart Estuary and out to sea.

Yes, several sites are great for families. Hembury Castle Hillfort is known locally as Danes Camp and is a great place to visit with children, combining history with nature. Compton Castle and Formal Gardens, a 600-year-old fortified manor house, also welcomes families to explore its history and beautiful gardens. Totnes Castle, with its climbable keep and open grounds, is also popular with families.

The area around Totnes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as 'The River Dart & Dartington loop' or 'Sharpham & Ashprington loop,' which often pass by or near historical sites. There are also road cycling and mountain biking trails available. For more details on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Totnes guide.

Yes, Dartington Hall and Gardens is a remarkable medieval estate near Totnes. While not a fortified castle, it is one of the largest medieval manor houses in the west of England, known for its extensive gardens, ancient yew trees, and cultural events. It offers a different historical perspective compared to the region's castles.

For Totnes Castle, it's centrally located in Totnes, so public car parks in the town are available. Hembury Castle Hillfort has plenty of parking at Hembury Woods. For Dartmouth Castle, you can drive and park nearby, or take a scenic ferry from Dartmouth Harbour, which offers unique views from the water. Berry Pomeroy Castle has its own car park on site.

The time needed varies by castle. For Totnes Castle, an hour or two is usually sufficient to explore the keep and enjoy the views. Berry Pomeroy Castle, with its extensive ruins and atmospheric setting, might take 2-3 hours, especially if you include an audio tour or woodland walks. Dartmouth Castle could also take 2-3 hours, particularly if you explore the gun tower and Victorian battery. Compton Castle, with its gardens, could also fill a couple of hours.

Yes, Berry Pomeroy Castle has an excellent cafe on site. Dartmouth Castle also typically has refreshment facilities. For Totnes Castle, being in the town center, numerous cafes and pubs are just a short walk away.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and enjoying the views. During these seasons, the gardens at places like Compton Castle and Dartington Hall are also in full bloom. However, the atmospheric ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle can be particularly evocative on a misty autumn or winter day, though some facilities might have reduced hours.

Yes, the area is rich with walking opportunities. You can find circular walks that incorporate historical sites. For example, footpaths around Berry Pomeroy Castle allow you to glimpse the ruins, and there are longer routes tracing the River Dart that can lead to or past sites like Hembury Castle Hillfort. Komoot's Hiking around Totnes guide provides several such options.

Yes, Berry Pomeroy Castle is famously reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in England. Many ghost stories contribute to its allure, making it a popular spot for those interested in the supernatural. Hembury Castle Hillfort is also known locally as Danes Camp, perhaps due to a legendary Viking invasion.

Dartmouth Castle holds significant historical importance as an artillery fort designed to protect Dartmouth Harbour. Its earliest parts date back to the 1380s, and it features Britain's oldest known purpose-built coast artillery fort. It was strategically vital for its ability to stretch an iron chain across the estuary to block enemy ships and played a role in coastal defense through centuries, including the English Civil War and World War II.